Sledding in the Backyard!

It wouldn't be "wintertime childhood" without a few runs down the hill in the backyard. Contrary to this picture's pretense, Evvie did NOT go solo down the hill (did you hear that grandmas?). However, she was tired of pictures with my big face in them (a la XCountry skiing), so we staged this shot to look like she wasn't riding in my lap.

The apparatus attached to the sled makes it a homemade pulka- a sled you can tow while skiing. It's seen two winter trips to the northwoods, and hopefully many upcoming shorter adventures hauling one enthusiastic marshmallow.

As close as Evvie can get to a wave

No Pictures, Please

Here's Evvie putting the lens cap back on the camera that I, admittedly, may use a bit too often...

Evvie's starting to loosen up a little bit in music class- this being our fourth session. She warms slowly, though. It's a 45 minute class and usually by the last two songs she's interacting and moving away from me. It's almost too bad, because another 15 minutes would really bring her out, I think.

She has been showing signs of becoming a pretty shy kid. We were at the library children's room yesterday and when a 16 month old toddled over to play nearby, Evvie buried herself in my chest. She does seem to be comfortable with the other children at daycare, and we're going to just keep exposing her to new enviornments to show her it's exciting to be involved with life.

First Tracks with the Marshmallow Baby

It was too cold over the weekend to play outside as we had planned, but today, after an overnight dusting of fluffy powder, Evvie & Dad set out on a ski adventure at Reid State Park. Evvie acquiesced to being crammed into her puffy suit that constricts her movement and makes her the "Marshmallow Baby". Once in the pack and underway, she promptly fell asleep for the entire hour.

We made "first tracks" in the snow and I was grateful to have the moment. It's been a long time since I had excercised after having been ill for over a month, and today was a great reward.

The skiing was great, and the ocean was magnificent. Evvie had a rosy hue to her for the next hour or so from the fresh air and the cold, but moms, don't worry- her hands and feet were warm when she emerged from the pack. The baby long underwear plus a hat, boots and mittens inside the fold-down cuffs of the down suit kept her snug.

Pbbbtthh

No Hands Flute

I've been practicing for tomorrow's class- as you can see, my hands are free for percussion instruments. A skill I intend to show off!

Today we took a trip to my office to say farewell to outgoing CEO Patrick. Evvie snacked on a bagel and stared wide-eyed at the throngs of office people eager to coochie-coo and oooh and ahh over her. Evvie did her best to trash Roxy's office and otherwise charm everyone who works there.

Here's a picture with Jeanne, a coworker who is learning how to hula by Evvie the sweet wahini.

Music Together

Yesterday, we had our first Music Together class, and boy did we have fun! Evvie spent the first third of the class leaned up against me and watching, but by the time the instruments were broken out, this little girl was rockin’!

It was a really interesting experience for me, as the only dad in a group of twelve. I was glad to have spoken to the teacher ahead of time so I knew how much participation was going to be required on MY part. We did some singing, clapping, dancing, echoing, shaking of percussion- you name it. Although a bit self-conscious, both Evvie and I are looking forward to next week.